The latest on Chelsea’s transfer plans after a highly busy weekend for the Blues in the market in terms of incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge
In typical Chelsea fashion, the weekend was extremely busy on the transfer front.
On Saturday afternoon, there was a rumour circulating social media: Chelsea were in for Granit Xhaka. On the face of it, it makes sense. Xabi Alonso worked closely with Xhaka during their days together at Bayer Leverkusen – with the Swiss midfielder playing a crucial role in the German club’s historic 2023/24 season.
It also makes sense given Chelsea sources told football.london a few months ago that the Blues’ recruitment model was set to be changed this summer. During BlueCo’s time at Stamford Bridge, the ownership group’s transfer strategy has been largely youth-centric but a tweak was needed.
Chelsea are now in the market for players that sources describe as ‘ready-made’ while also keeping close tabs on young talent from all around the world. Xhaka certainly fits the ready-made mould.
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After checking in with sources on Saturday evening, they confirmed there was an interest, though Stamford Bridge insiders were astounded by some of the numbers being floated around online. With Xhaka turning 34 this year, a source said that if Chelsea were to make an approach, then it would be for a let loss than some of the numbers doing the rounds.
And so that proved. Around 24 hours later, football.london learned of Chelsea lodging an £8million offer for Xhaka – one that Sunderland quickly dismissed. Sources close to the Black Cats were taken aback by the figure the west Londoners offered.
Sunderland are insistent Xhaka is not for sale and they will not entertain any further offers. However, Chelsea do not appear to be put off by their stubborn stance. The former Arsenal midfielder is said to be keen on a reunion with Alonso but he still has two years remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are interested in Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria this summer. After agreeing a deal close to £52m with Real Madrid for Marc Cucurella to move to the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month, the Blues are on the hunt for more defensive depth, especially in full-back areas.
Chavarria is a target for the west Londoners but sources insist he will not be a direct replacement for Cucurella. Alonso appreciates the 28-year-old defender’s versatility – the fact he can play as a left back and wing back – with the incoming Chelsea manager often flexible with his tactics.
Jorrel Hato is set to play an enormous role for Chelsea next season. The Netherlands international had a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge in his debut campaign but came alive in the second half of the season. Able to play as the left-sided centre back, as well as at left back, Hato is expected to be a favourite for Alonso next term.
Sources close to Chelsea spoke about their delight with the 20-year-old Dutchman’s rise in west London and expect that to continue in his second season at the club.
Chelsea remain in talks with Crystal Palace over defender Maxence Lacroix. The Blues have identified the France international as their No.1 defensive target this summer and made an official enquiry last week.
Lacroix is thought to be keen on moving across the capital, but there is no agreement between the two clubs yet. In fact, at the time of writing, sources insist Chelsea have not sent an official bid for the 26-year-old defender.
The situation is very fluid, though, and that could change at any time.
Manchester City are interested in signing Malo Gusto this summer with Enzo Maresca keen for a reunion with the Chelsea right back. Gusto is said to be considering his options in the transfer window, with the Blues valuing the France international at a whopping £75m. Chelsea will not stand in Gusto’s way should that valuation be met.
Trevoh Chalobah, meanwhile, is valued, sources say, at £35m (can be £30m with £5m in add-ons) this summer. Como are strongly interested in the Cobham graduate, with Inter Milan also keeping a close eye on developments around the defender’s situation.
Enzo Fernandez, who may have become an afterthought in the back of Chelsea supporters’ minds given everything else going on at the moment, remains of interest to Real Madrid. Los Blancos have identified the Argentina international as their No.1 midfield target this summer and sources expect the Spaniards, led by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, to make a move at some point.
Chelsea will do business should they receive an offer in the region of £120m this summer. Fernandez wants to move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.
